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First look: This revamped city rooftop bar is your new favourite spot for glam group catch-ups

Cosy booths, a private lounge, fried mortadella sandwiches – plus you can now book. QT Melbourne’s new-look rooftop bar is set to sizzle this summer.

Dani Valent
Dani Valent

QT Melbourne’s chic rooftop will relaunch on Friday, October 13 with more intimate spaces, including booths that suggest settling in for a long lunch would be a very good idea indeed. There will also be a new private cocktail lounge and a Mediterranean food focus at the hotel bar.

A selection of share-friendly snacks from the Mediterranean-inspired menu at the new-look Rooftop at QT.
1 / 6A selection of share-friendly snacks from the Mediterranean-inspired menu at the new-look Rooftop at QT.Trent van der Jagt
Booth seating inside the hotel bar, which now takes bookings.
2 / 6Booth seating inside the hotel bar, which now takes bookings.Trent van der Jagt
Seafood, such as these Abrolhos Island scallops, is a focus.
3 / 6Seafood, such as these Abrolhos Island scallops, is a focus.Trent van der Jagt
Colourful artwork inside the new-look cocktail bar.
4 / 6Colourful artwork inside the new-look cocktail bar.Trent van der Jagt
Cocktails are available in single serves or to share, such as the Bulleit Punch, pictured.
5 / 6Cocktails are available in single serves or to share, such as the Bulleit Punch, pictured.Trent van der Jagt
Fried mortadella sandos with provolone, barbecue sauce and pepperoncini.
6 / 6Fried mortadella sandos with provolone, barbecue sauce and pepperoncini.Trent van der Jagt

“We did a massive menu tasting and we’re all excited,” says new executive chef Nic Wood, who previously oversaw the food at Los Angeles coworking collective NeueHouse, which has dining rooms in Hollywood and Venice Beach. “It’s going to be approachable, fun, flavoursome food that’s easy to eat.”

Seafood is a focus: think crayfish cocktails with cognac-horseradish Marie Rose sauce, and a raw snapper cannoli with preserved lemon, creme fraiche and barbecued jalapenos.

Fried mortadella sandos with provolone, barbecue sauce and pepperoncini.
Fried mortadella sandos with provolone, barbecue sauce and pepperoncini.Trent van der Jagt
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There will also be a fried mortadella sandwich with provolone and pickled pepper on white fluffy bread.

“It’s a full relaunch of the rooftop to elevate it to the next level,” says the Perth-born chef.

Other new additions to the rooftop include bookings and table service.

The bar’s signature cocktails will be available as single serves or shared for up to six people, such as the espresso martini-inspired Bulleit Punch made with Bulleit rye whiskey, Mr Black coffee liqueur, orange and miso syrup and clarified cream, or an aromatic Daiquiri with basil oil.

Open Mon-Wed 3pm-late, Thu-Sun noon-late, 133 Russell Street, Melbourne, qthotels.com/melbourne

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Dani ValentDani Valent is a food writer and restaurant reviewer.

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Original URL: https://www.theage.com.au/goodfood/melbourne-eating-out/first-look-this-revamped-city-rooftop-bar-is-your-new-favourite-spot-for-glam-group-catch-ups-20231009-p5eas2.html